Vaporizable Tobacco Wax Compositions and Container thereof

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to tobacco wax compositions suitable for use in a vaporizer. The tobacco wax may comprise additional excipients including vapor agents, penetration agents, buffer agents, and rheological agents. The composition contains nicotine. The tobacco wax composition leaves a minimum of residue in the vaporizer when used. In another aspect, the invention relates to a portion-sized container (“pod”) of a tobacco wax composition for administration to a mammal or person. The pod is intended for use in a personal (or other) vaporizer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.15/638,609, filed Jun. 30, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 15/403,472, filed Jan. 11, 2017, which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 15/276,902, filed Sep. 27, 2016;application Ser. No. 15/638,609 is also a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 15/276,902, filed Sep. 27, 2016. This applicationis also a continuation-in-part of PCT International Application No.PCT/US2017/053416, filed Sep. 26, 2017 and designating the US, whichclaims the benefit of the filing dates of application Ser. No.15/638,609, filed Jun. 30, 2017, application Ser. No. 15/403,472, filedJan. 11, 2017, and application Ser. No. 15/276,902, filed Sep. 27, 2016.The contents of all of the foregoing related applications areincorporated herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention is directed towards tobacco wax, including methods ofmanufacture, tobacco wax compositions, and the vaporization of tobaccowax for use in a vaporizer-inhalation device. The present invention alsorelates to a portion-sized container (“pod”) of a tobacco waxcomposition for administration to a mammal or person. The pod isintended for use in a personal (or other) vaporizer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In 1926, Samual Amster of Richmond, Ky. described the extraction of a“wax like substance” from tobacco using a hot water process and thensubjecting the resulting liquor to an evaporative step. Despite thisextraction, Amster teaches that the (extracted) tobacco “may still beemployed for smoking and chewing tobacco.” Amster teaches the use of thetobacco “wax like substance” in candles, shoe polishes and varnish (U.S.Pat. No. 1,624,155).

In 1936, James Garner of Mount Lebanon, Pa., described a method tode-nicotinize tobacco, whereby ammonia treated tobacco is subjected to abutane-solvent based extraction method. When the butane is evaporated,“there is left a mass of nicotine and tobacco wax which together mayamount to as much as 6-8% by weight of the tobacco used . . . . Tobaccowax or resin is dark brown in color, burns with the production of acridfumes, and has a strong odor resembling that of an “old” pipe.” Thetobacco wax may be used as an insecticide or may be “returned to theresidual tobacco leaves and also to untreated tobacco leaves to impartthereto desirable flavors.” Like Amster, Garner teaches that theextracted tobacco is still suitable use in smoking and other tobaccoproducts (U.S. Pat. No. 2,128,043).

Despite this eighty year old work, Applicants are not aware that theteachings of Amster or Garner have been used in commercial processes orproducts.

Entering the present era, Keritsis et al (assigned to Philip Morris)(U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,920) (1990) mentions tobacco wax in a list ofsaccharides and polysaccharides that may be used as a bonding agent whenmaking manufactured tobacco (more typically referred to as reconstitutedtobacco sheet).

Renaud et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 8,863,754 (assigned to Philip Morris)(2014) describe compositions for heat not burn applications. The patentmentions tobacco wax in a reference to degradation products the presenceof which evidences (unwanted) combustion: “Isoprene is a pyrolysisproduct of isoprenoid compounds present in tobacco, for example incertain tobacco waxes, and can be present in the aerosol only if thestrands of homogenized tobacco material are heated to a temperaturesubstantially higher than that required to generate an aerosol. Thus,isoprene yield can be taken as representative of the amount ofhomogenized tobacco material that is “over heated.”” Nothing in thedisclosure indicates that tobacco wax has been purposefully used in thiscomposition or otherwise present than through the natural presence ofwax in the tobacco used to manufacture the “homogenized tobaccomaterial.” Applicant understands the substrate described in this art tobe a reconstituted tobacco sheet intended for use in heat not burnapplications.

Brown et al. (assigned to Lorillard) (U.S. Pat. No. 9,038,644) (2015)teaches tobacco wax for use as a phase transition material to impartreduced ignition propensity to a cigarette. The wax is applied to thecigarette paper using high precision wax jet printing.

Each of U.S. Pat. No. 1,624,155; U.S. Pat. No. 2,128,043; U.S. Pat. No.4,936,920; U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,920; U.S. Pat. No. 8,863,754; and U.S.Pat. No. 9,038,644, is expressly incorporated herein together with allcitations in these references.

The vaporization of nicotine containing liquids is well known andpopular, including using devices such as electronic cigarettes andtank-style (and non tank) personal vaporizers. Typically suchcompositions include USP (99.9% pure) nicotine oil as an ingredient,though zero-liquids without any nicotine are also used.

Heat not burn tobacco systems are known in the tobacco industry. Heatnot burn systems like Pax Lab's Pax® and Philip Morris' IQOS® (as wellas earlier versions of IQOS® sold as Heatbar® and Accord®) heat tobaccocompositions substantially without burning the tobacco, therebyaerosolizing volatile constituents of the tobacco composition. Afteruse, the non-vaporized components of the tobacco composition remainminus those components what were successfully vaporized (orinadvertently burned).

In the case of both Pax® and IQOS® this residue is substantial andrepresents the substantial mass of the original tobacco composition.

Philip Morris International (PMI) describes the rationale behind heatnot burn systems thusly: “[t]he concept behind ‘heat-not-burn’ is thatheating tobacco, rather than burning it, reduces or eliminates theformation of many of the compounds that are produced at the hightemperatures associated with combustion. Research has demonstrated thatmost of the harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) incigarette smoke are formed by thermal breakdown of the tobacco when itis burned. Heat-not-burn therefore offers the possibility ofsignificantly reducing both the number and the levels of HPHCs generatedby tobacco products, whilst retaining an acceptable sensory experiencefor current adult smokers” (from pmiscience.com).

Now, some criticism has been leveled against heat not burn systems,which ostensibly is premised on the notion that tobacco and heat willalways tend lead to toxicant formation. Stephen Stotesbury, head ofscientific and regulatory affairs for Imperial Tobacco has been quotedsaying about Philip Morris International's IQOS [heat not burn] system:“There's a lot of black crud in the iQOS device after using it . . . Itsmells like an ashtray.” Perhaps not surprisingly, Imperial Tobacco hasstated it will not develop a heat not burn product—presumably to relysolely on its electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).

Pax is a loose-leaf style vaporizer for use with “loose-leaf plantmaterial” supplied by the user herself(https://www.paxvapor.com/support/pax-2-faq/#can-i-use-liquids-in-pax-2).An earlier heat not burn composition—Pax Labs' Ploom® used atobacco-humectant composition contained in nescafe style pod—howeverthis product has been discontinued.

Philip Morris' IQOS is a more sophisticated product wherein the useruses a manufacturer-supplied “cigarette” in the heating device. Thecigarette itself is comprised of reconstituted tobacco sheet made withhigh amounts of humectant (glycerin) that, together with othervolatiles, create a vapor like experience when used.

Applicants believe the composition of the reconstituted sheet used inIQOS is akin to that described in WO2016050472A1, assigned to PhilipMorris. One of the present inventors has extensive experience workingwith film and sheet systems, principally for pharmaceutical applicationsand is a named inventor on Fuisz et al. U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,108,340;8,906,277; 8,685,437; 8,663,687; 8,652,378; 8,617,589; 8,613,285;8,603,514; 8,241,661; 8,017,150; 7,972,618; 7,897,080; 7,824,588;7,666,337; and 7,425,292.

Heat not burn systems are associated with reduced HPHCs as stated by thePMIScience excerpt above. The toxicant profile of burning tobacco iswell understood. Researchers have estimated that cigarette smokecontains 7,357 chemical compounds from many different classes (Warnatz,J, U Maas and R W Dibble. Combustion: physical and chemicalfundamentals, modeling and simulation, experiments, pollutant formation.2006). There is broad scientific agreement that several of the majorclasses of chemicals in the combustion emissions of burned tobacco aretoxic and carcinogenic (Rodgman, A, and T A Perfetti. The chemicalcomponents of tobacco and tobacco smoke. 2013: CRC press).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tobacco wax composition suitable forvaporization, comprising tobacco wax and at least one vapor agent.

The tobacco wax composition can have a nicotine content of greater than2%.

The tobacco wax composition is preferably flowable.

The tobacco wax composition may further comprise at least one selectedfrom the group of: an emulsifying agent, or a surfactant.

The tobacco wax composition is preferably substantially free ofseparation when stored at room temperature conditions for six months.

The tobacco wax composition preferably comprises 30% to 65% of a vaporagent.

The tobacco wax composition can be contained in a pod.

The tobacco wax composition may be coated on a heated rod.

The pod may have a top porous layer.

The present invention also relates to a combination of the tobacco waxcomposition and a cartridge, wherein the tobacco wax composition iscontained in the cartridge.

The areas of the cartridge in contact with the tobacco wax compositionmay comprise a material with a surface energy of less than 20 Dynes/cm.

The material with a surface energy of less than 20 Dynes/cm maycomprises PTFE or FEP.

The present invention also relates to a system for vaporization of atobacco wax composition, comprising a device and a pod containing atobacco wax composition, said tobacco wax composition comprising tobaccowax and at least one vapor agent.

The system may have vapor emissions with TSNA levels below quantifiablelimits on a per puff basis, when measured using: 55 mL puff/30 secinterval/3 sec duration, and the quantifiable limit is 0.20 ng/puff

The system may have formaldehyde emissions of below quantifiable limitson a per puff basis, when measured using: 55 mL puff/30 sec interval/3sec duration, and the quantifiable limit is 0.20 μg/puff

The system may have vapor emissions of formaldehyde of less than 50% ofthe IQOS Heet comparator, testing using the Canadian Intense smokingregime.

The system may have on off functionality

The system may have an operating temperature within the range of 160° C.to 240° C.

When sufficiently heated, the tobacco wax composition may have autilization rate of greater than 80%.

Preferably, the system reaches operating temperature within ten secondsor less, more preferably within five seconds or less, even morepreferably within three seconds or less.

In the system, the pod may comprise airholes that align with deviceairholes.

Preferably, the pressure drop of the system is 75 (mm H₂O) to 130 mm(H₂O).

In the system, the device may comprise a sleeve.

The system is preferably such that, when sufficiently heated, thetobacco wax composition vaporizers substantially without residue.

The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a heatnot burn tobacco product, comprising extracting the wax partition fromtobacco leaf, and mixing that extraction with a vapor agent. The presentinvention also relates to a method for manufacturing a heat not burntobacco product, comprising extracting the wax partition from tobaccoleaf, extracting an oil partition form tobacco leaf, and mixing theseextractions with a vapor agent.

The extraction method employed may be supercritical CO2 extraction.

The wax partition and the oil partition may be extracted separately fromtobacco leaf and subsequently mixed together

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a heating chamber containing atobacco wax composition.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective of the heating chamber sub assembly,including a ceramic heating chamber.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the heating chamber containing atobacco wax composition.

FIG. 4 is a cross section of the wall of the heating chamber casing.

FIG. 5 is a cross section of the receiver for the heating chamber,including the battery connection section.

FIG. 6 is a cross section of the electrode.

FIG. 7 is a cross section of the electrode insulator.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a ceramic pod showing a printed orcoated heating element and positive and negative electrical contacts.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a pod, a porous layer, and abarrier layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention teaches a composition that comprises tobacco waxand other ingredients suitable for vaporization and use by a mammal.Applicants have found that the vaporization of a tobacco wax basedcomposition provides excellent organoleptics and nicotine delivery.Moreover, unlike existing heat not burn compositions, applicants havefound tobacco wax compositions of the present invention vaporizesubstantially in their entirety (i.e. substantially without residue). Incertain embodiments, it is an object of the present invention to combinesuch substantial vaporization properties of tobacco wax compositionstogether with a vaporization system capable of vaporizing the tobaccowax composition in its entirety (i.e. substantially without residue). Byvaporize substantially, it is meant that the tobacco wax compositionwill vaporize substantially without residue when exposed to adequatevaporization temperatures (i.e. greater than 95%, preferably greaterthan 98%, still more preferably than 99%). The tobacco wax compositionmay not vaporize entirely in cases where the device fails to adequatelyheat the tobacco wax composition (for example, when used in a cartridgewhere tobacco wax composition fails to fully flow to the heatingelement, resulting in an amount of the composition not being exposed toadequate vaporization temperatures (such failure discussed below astobacco wax composition utilization).

Tobacco wax based compositions allow for a heat-not-burn tobacco productthat is not a readily flowable liquid, and does not require specializedreconstituted sheet production or use, or use conventional tobacco leafproducts (like Pax). In certain embodiments, tobacco wax compositions ofthe present invention may be more or less flowable.

It is an aim of the present invention to allow for a heat not burntobacco product which does not have, or substantially does not comprise,reconstituted tobacco sheet.

The role of plant wax for plants is understood. Plants secrete waxesinto and on the surface of their cuticles as a way to controlevaporation, wettability and hydration. The epicuticular waxes of plantsare mixtures of substituted long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons,containing alkanes, alkyl esters, fatty acids, primary and secondaryalcohols, diols, ketones, aldehydes. From the commercial perspective,the most important plant wax is carnauba wax, a hard wax obtained fromthe Brazilian palm Copernicia prunifera.

B. R. Jordan describes tobacco wax as consisting of three majorcomponents: straight chain hydrocarbons (C27-C33 comprising 59%);branched-chain hydrocarbons (C25-C32 comprising 38%) and fatty acids(C14-C18 comprising 3%) (Advances in Botanical Research, Vol 22, “UV-BRadiation: A Molecular Perspective, hereby incorporated by reference asif fully set forth herein).

Various processes for extracting wax from plant materials can beemployed in connection with the present invention. These extractionmethods include, without limitation, subcritical CO2 extraction;supercritical CO2 extraction; supercritical extraction with additional(non-CO2) solvents; maceration; digestion (a heated form of maceration);decoction; percolation; hot continuous extraction (Soxlet); AqueousAlcoholic Extraction by Fermentation; Counter-current Extraction;Ultrasound Extraction (Sonication); and the Phytonics Process. This listis non-limitative as skilled artisans will appreciate and other suitableextraction methods may be employed. Solvents used may be polar ornon-polar. Various combinations and/or sequential series of thesemethods can be used.

The non-limitative preferred embodiment is supercritical CO2 extraction.The use of supercritical CO2 extraction to de-nicotinize tobacco isdisclosed in Howell et al U.S. Pat. No. 8,887,737 (2014), which ishereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

Extraction, including the preferred embodiment supercritical CO2extraction, can be used to generate several partitions from tobacco,broadly speaking, including oils and waxes. Both of these partitionscontain nicotine. The partitions may be extracted separately, ortogether, depending on extraction set-up. Generally, to extracttogether, a single separator is used, employing phase transition toextract into the single separator. In other embodiments, two or moreseparators or used. In such architecture, one separator may be used forwax partition, and other for oil partition. One separator may usesub-critical parameters (with a pressure of 30-70 bar, preferably 35-60bar), and another separator may use super-critical parameters (with apressure of 90-170 bar, preferably 100-150 bar).

The wax partition yield should exceed 1% of the starting tobacco weight(or mass), preferably 2% or greater, most preferably 4% or greater. Whenextracted separately, the oil partition yield should exceed 1% of the ofthe starting tobacco weight (or mass), preferably 1.5% or greater, morepreferably 2.5% or greater. Together, the wax and oil partitions shouldcomprise 3-8% of the starting weight (or mass), or greater than 4% ofthe starting weight (or mass), or preferably greater than 5% of thestarting weight (or mass). Extraction processes may be configured toextract both the wax and oil together in a single partition, with thesame sum weight (or mass) described in the immediately precedingsentence.

All forms of tobacco may be used including tobacco leaf, stem, and wastetobacco dust. Blends of tobacco may be employed. Cigar tobaccos may beemployed. Tobacco varieties with high nicotine content are preferred,including to minimize processing requirements. Because the extractionprocess may bring flavors and aromas from the leaf into the wax and oil,the tobacco inputs may be selected in whole or in part for taste. It maybe desirable to pre-treat the tobacco prior to extraction with a basicagent (e.g. sodium carbonate) to encourage nicotine extraction from thetobacco.

It is contemplated that the tobacco blending process will be carried outprior to extraction, or after extraction. For example, a blend may bemade of one or more tobaccos (e.g. flue cured, burley and Turkish) andextraction made therefrom. Alternatively, the three tobaccos of theprior example may be separately extracted, and blended to taste andother characteristics using the extracted wax partitions (and oilpartitions, optionally) of each extracted tobacco type.

It is important to note that extraction techniques to remove the waxpartition may also function to extract undesired TSNA's from tobacco. Inparticular, supercritical CO2 extraction may solubilize TSNA's from thetobacco, concentrating them in the resulting wax and oil partitions.Since it is desirable to minimize TSNA's in the final product, it isdesirable to use tobacco inputs with very low TSNA's. This will resultin a product with low TSNA's without the need for optional pre or postprocessing steps to remove TSNA's from the wax partition. Preferably,the tobacco input have a TSNA level below 3 ppm, more preferable below 2ppm, still more preferably below 1 ppm, and even more preferably below0.3 ppm, and most preferably below 0.1 ppm).

Extraction parameters may impact the nature of the wax partition,including various parameters including flavor, nicotine levels, TSNAlevels, and the rheology of the wax partition itself. In certainembodiments, it may be desirable to extract a non-flowable waxpartition, or a substantially non-flowable wax partition. The waxpartition may be viscous and somewhat flowable in certain embodiments.The oil partition will be flowable in most embodiments.

It is expressly contemplated that the oil partition may be mixed intothe resulting wax partition to increase the yield of wax and nicotine.High shear mixers (and other mixing methods) may be used for thispurpose. Preferably, the mass of the oil partition added to the waxpartition will be less than or about 75% of the mass of the waxpartition, preferably less than or about 30% and most preferably lessthan 15% of the mass of the wax partition (measured by mass). The oilpartition can serve to increase nicotine, enhance flavor, increase vaporproduction and generally extend the yield from tobacco. However, TSNAlevels may concentrate in the oil partition, and so it is desirable tospecifically monitor the TSNA level of the oil partition whenconsidering the desired combination of the two partitions.

Additional excipients may be employed to develop a final composition forvaporization.

Vapor agents may be added to the wax. In this application, we define avapor agent as a material that increases the vapor from the waxcomposition when heated. Vapor agents may include, without limitation,vegetable glycerin, non-vegetable forms of glycerin, propylene glycol,polyethylene glycol, polysorbates including polysorbate 20(polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate), polysorbate 40 (polyoxyethylene(20) sorbitan monopalmitate), polysorbate 60 (polyoxyethylene sorbitanmonostearate) and polysorbate 80 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate.),and other agents suitable for increasing the “vapor” from a heatedcomposition, but “vapor agents” do not include nicotine, typicalflavoring agents or tobacco. Vapor agents may be added to about 70% ofthe composition (by mass), preferably 30-65% of the composition (bymass), most preferably 45-55% (by mass) of the composition. Lowerlevels, for example 10% and above, of vapor agents may also be employed,resulting in a stronger, more concentrated final composition. Above 60%,the final composition may become too flowable for certain vaporizationdevices.

In certain embodiments, substantially all of the vapor agent employed isvegetable glycerin. This is because vegetable glycerin has a relativelyhigh viscosity, and flowability of the final composition is undesired incertain embodiments. For example, a flowable composition may “spill” outof the heating chamber when a vaporizer is left on its side. Of course,film formers and gelling agents may optionally be employed to increaseviscosity as needed.

It should be noted that the wax compositions of the present inventionare generally not wickable—or capable of wicking or capillary action atlow temperatures. Thus, the device used to vaporize the wax compositionsof the present invention is not a conventional e-cigarette in mostembodiments.

High shear mixing is important to ensure uniform distribution of thevapor agent (or other added excipient) in the composition. The tobaccowax may tend towards hydrophobicity, which may present mixingchallenges. The use of an emulsifying agent may be desired to assist inemulsifying the mixed composition. Without limitation, the followingemulsifying agents are examples of emulsifying agents that may beemployed: agar, albumin, alginates, casein, ceatyl alcohol, cholic acid,desoxycholic acid, diacetyl tartaric acid esters, egg yolk, glycerol,gums, carrageenan, lecithin, mono- and diglycerides, monosodiumphosphate, monostearate, ox bile extract, propylene glycol, soaps, ortaurocholic acid (or its sodium salt). As a practical matter,non-glycerol emulsifying agents are preferred. Emulsifying agents maycomprise 0.01% to 5% of the tobacco wax composition.

It is an object of the certain embodiments of the present invention toachieve a tobacco wax composition, including a vapor agent, that is freeor substantially of separation. Separation should not occur when storedat normal room temperature (70-80 F) conditions for a period of sixmonths, preferable only year, more preferably two years.

Similarly, surfactants may be employed in certain embodiments to promotemixing. Surfactants lower tension between a surface and a liquid orbetween two or more immiscible substances. Anionic surfactants containanionic functional groups at their head, such as sulfate, sulfonate,phosphate, and carboxylates. Prominent alkyl sulfates include ammoniumlauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SLS, orSDS), and the related alkyl-ether sulfates sodium laureth sulfate(sodium lauryl ether sulfate or SLES), and sodium myreth sulfate. Othersinclude: Docusate (dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate)Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) Perfluorobutanesulfonate, Alkyl-arylether phosphates, and Alkyl ether phosphates. Carboxylates are the mostcommon surfactants and comprise the alkyl carboxylates (soaps), such assodium stearate. More specialized species include sodium lauroylsarcosinate and carboxylate-based fluorosurfactants such asperfluorononanoate, perfluorooctanoate (PFOA or PFO). Certainsurfactants contain cationic head groups. Zwitterionic (amphoteric)surfactants have both cationic and anionic centers attached to the samemolecule. The cationic part is based on primary, secondary, or tertiaryamines or quaternary ammonium cations. The anionic part can be morevariable and include sulfonates, as in the sultaines CHAPS(3-[(3-Cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate) andcocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine. Betaines such as cocamidopropyl betainehave a carboxylate with the ammonium. The most common biologicalzwitterionic surfactants have a phosphate anion with an amine orammonium, such and the phospholipids phosphatidylserine,phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, and sphingomyelins. Manylong chain alcohols exhibit some surfactant properties. Prominent amongthese are the fatty alcohols, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, andcetostearyl alcohol (consisting predominantly of cetyl and stearylalcohols), and oleyl alcohol. Surfactants may comprise 0.01% to 5% ofthe tobacco wax composition.

In certain embodiments, a wetting agent may be employed. A wetting agentis a surfactant that, when dissolved in water, lowers the advancingcontact angle, aids in displacing an air phase at the surface, andreplaces it with a liquid phase. Examples of application of wetting topharmacy and medicine include the displacement of air from the surfaceof sulfur, charcoal, and other powders for the purpose of dispersingthese drugs in liquid vehicles; the displacement of air from the matrixof cotton pads and bandages so that medicinal solutions can be absorbedfor application to various body areas; the displacement of dirt anddebris by the use of detergents in the washing of wounds; and theapplication of medicinal lotions and sprays to surface of skin andmucous membranes. Wetting agents may comprise 0.01% to 5% of the tobaccowax composition.

Polysorbate (Tween) is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier that isparticularly useful in connection with certain embodiments of thepresent invention. Various Tweens can be used, including inter aliaTween 20 and Tween 80.

Tobacco leaf may be added to the wax composition, in any known form,including without limitation shreds, dust, particles and the like. Saidtobacco leaf may be leaf from which the tobacco wax was extracted incertain embodiments. Tobacco leaf, including reconstituted tobacco leaf,may be present from 0.01 to 30% mass of the composition in certainembodiments. Adding tobacco leaf to the composition can provide a lookand feel of the product akin to Shisha tobacco.

The nicotine content of the final tobacco wax composition is preferablyless than 12%, more preferably less than 7.5% and most preferable lessthan 4%. Certain embodiments will have a nicotine range of 1.5-5.5%,preferable 2.5-4% (by mass). Low nicotine compositions with nicotineless than 1.5%, or even less than 0.5% may also be made for usersseeking lower nicotine delivery. Nicotine, natural or synthetic, may beadded where the tobacco extraction yields a less than desired level. Theproduct can be made from low-nicotine containing tobacco to achieve alow nicotine level, or otherwise subject to known processes tode-nicotinize the extractionsor starting input tobacco. In certainembodiments seeking a low nicotine level, no oil partition is used.

Flavors may be added to the wax. Flavors may be synthetic or natural.For purposes hereunder, menthol, wintergreen, peppermint and similaroils used in menthol tobacco products are understood to be flavors,together with traditional flavors (e.g. grape, cherry etc). Mentholcrystals may be employed. Tobacco flavors, and traditional tobacco topflavors may be used to impart a rich tobacco flavor. Sustained releaseflavors, coated particle flavor systems, and flavor capsules withvolatile flavors may all be employed. Flavors may comprise 0.25% to 20%,preferably 2.5% to 12.5%, more preferable 2.% to 4.5% of the finalcomposition. Special concern should be paid to miscibility andsuccessful homogenization of the flavor with the wax composition.

Ball bearings may be used for mixing in a pod.

Penetration agent(s) may be added to the tobacco wax. By penetrationagents, we mean an agent that promotes transfer of the active—i.e., asubstance that enhances absorption through the mucosa, mucosal coatingand epithelium. otherwise known (see U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2006/0257463 A1, the content of which is incorporated herein byreference). The penetration agent may comprise but is not limited topolyethylene glycol (PEG), diethylene glycol monoethyl ether(Transcutol), 23-lauryl ether, aprotinin, azone, benzalkomin chloride,cetylperidium chloride, cetylmethylammonium bromide, dextran sulfate,lauric acid, lauric acid/propylene glycol, lysophosphatilcholine,menthol, methoxysalicylate, oleic acid, phosphaidylcholine,polyoxyethylene, polysorbate 80, sodium EDTA, sodium glycholated, sodiumglycodeoxycholate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium salicylate, sodiumtaurocholate, sodium taurodeoxycholate, sulfoxides, and various alkylglycosides or, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2006/0257463, bile salts, such as sodium deoxycholate, sodiumglycodeoxycholate, sodium taurocholate and sodium glycocholate,surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate, polysorbate 80, laureth-9,benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride and polyoxyethylenemonoalkyl ethers such as the BRIJ® and MYRJ® series, benzoic acids, suchas sodium salicylate and methoxy salicylate, fatty acids, such as lauricacid, oleic acid, undecanoic acid and methyl oleate, fatty alcohols,such as octanol and nonanol, laurocapram, the polyols, propylene glycoland glycerin, cyclodextrins, the sulfoxides, such as dimethyl sulfoxideand dodecyl methyl sulfoxide, the terpenes, such as menthol, thymol andlimonene, urea, chitosan and other natural and synthetic polymers.Preferably, the penetration agent is selected to be capable of transferthrough vaporization.

Buffer agents may be added to the tobacco wax, including withoutlimitation to create static or a dynamic buffer systems. Preferably, thebuffer agent is used to raise the pH of the mouth in order to increasenicotine absorption in the buccal cavity in a manner which is based onpka and the Henderson Hasselbach equation. For nicotine, preferably, thepH of the mouth is increased to 7 to 10, preferably 7.8 to 10, mostpreferably from 8.5 to 9.5. Preferably, the buffer agent increases thepH of the oral cavity for a period of ten minutes or more afteradministration

Buffering agents may be used to control pH, including withoutlimitation, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate,potassium carbonate, calcium carbonate, dipotassium phosphate, potassiumcitrate, sodium phosphate and any other such buffer system. The buffersystem may be designed to dynamically control the pH of the producttaking into consideration the effect of saliva during use, i.e., adynamic buffer system. Examples of buffer systems to obtain thepreferred pH include dibasic sodium phosphate and monobasic sodiumphosphate. Both are FDA accepted buffer materials used and listed in theinactive ingredients list. For example, for a pH of 7, the ratio ofmonobasic/dibasic can be 4.6/8.6; for a pH of 7.5 the ratio ofmonobasic/dibasic can be 1.9/11.9; and for a pH of 8.0 the ratio ofmonobasic/dibasic can be 0.6/13.4. These are mathematically calculatedbuffer numbers and will need to be adjusted according to the otheringredients added to the formula. Thus this dynamic buffer range isadjusted by the amounts of the buffer system since saliva is freshlyrenewable in the mouth. See Fuisz U.S. Patent Application PublicationNos. 2009/0098192 A1 and US 2011/0318390 A1 discussing dynamic bufferingand incorporated herein by reference.

Nicotine salts may be employed in certain embodiments. This involvescomplexing nicotine with an acid, to form a salt. Suitable acids mayinclude without limitation: pyruvic acid, salicylic acid, sorbic acid,lauric acid, levulinic acid, or benzoic acid. U.S. Pat. No. 9,215,895(Nicotine salt formulations for aerosol devices and methods thereof) andUS 20080241255A1 (Device and method of delivery of a medicament) arehereby incorporated by reference as if fully stated herein. In apreferred embodiment, the extracted nicotine oil is complexed with anacid and then mixed with the wax partition. The nicotine salt may alsobe mixed with glycerin and then mixed with the wax. In still otherembodiments, the acid is complexed with the wax partition to form thesalt.

Crystallization inhibitors may be employed, including inter alia toavoid precipitation of the nicotine salt when the acid is complexed withthe nicotine. Crystallization inhibitors are described in US2016/0038406 (Chemically stable and oromucosally absorbable gelcompositions of a pharmaceutical active agent in a multi-chambereddelivery system).

Preservatives may be added to the tobacco wax to preserve freshness andinhibit microbial growth.

A pasteurization process step may be employed, inter alia, to prohibitmicrobial growth. The tobacco may be pasteurized prior to extraction, orthe extracted partitions themselves may be subject to pasteurization.

Preferably, the composition maintains a relatively high viscosity and/orconsistency despite the addition of any excipients. It may beadvantageous that the tobacco wax composition does not readily flowuntil under heavy-vaporizing heat. However, it may be beneficial toadjust the rheological properties of the tobacco wax composition. Forexample, a reduced viscosity and or surface tension may be desired forvarious reasons, such as packaging convenience (e.g., a squeezable tubemay be easier to use with reduced viscosity). The use of PG as a vaporagent may serve this purpose, having a much lower viscosity thanvegetable glycerin. Viscosity may be marginally affected by ambienttemperature, and some consideration must be given to same.

It may also be beneficial to increase viscosity, for example to preventflow off a flat heating surface (e.g. a hookah platform. Etc.). Rheologyagents may be employed to adjust the viscosity, surface tension andother rheological properties of the final product. Suitable excipientsincluding film formers, gelling agents, and surfactants. In certainembodiments, film formers are used 0.01%-20%, gelling agents are used0.01% -20%. Where film formers and gelling agents are employed, asolvent may be used and then substantially removed as appropriate.

The resulting wax composition may be used by itself, or mixed with othervaporizable compositions both solid and liquid formats. Such mixing maybe done by the manufacturer or by the user. Liquid formats includingwithout limitation e-liquid type products. Solid formats include withoutlimitation other waxes from tobacco or other plant or botanicalmaterials. Mixing can also take place by blending the plant or botanicalmaterials which are subjected to the extraction process.

The wax composition of the present invention is intended to bevaporized. Suitable devices include any device capable of sufficientlyheating the composition to cause it to vaporize and still notsubstantially burn the composition. Non-limitative examples of suitabledevices include devices marketed as dry herb vaporizers. Suitabletemperature ranges for the vaporizer heating element range fromtemperature needed to vaporize the composition and below the autoignition temperature of the composition.

Suitable battery parameters ranging from 1 Amp continuous output to 30Amp continuous output.

The wax composition of the present invention is substantiallyvaporizable, meaning that it will be substantially vaporized when heatedin a suitable device. It is desirable in certain embodiments thatresidue is minimized, including inter alia to avoid the need to cleanthe device between uses. Where a pod is used, residue is of lessconcern, since the pod is removable regularly replaced by the user,typically after the pre-filled portion of tobacco wax composition hasbeen substantially or fully used.

The tobacco wax composition of the present invention when vaporized,emits lower levels or harmful or potentially harmful constituents(HPHC's) than conventional tobacco products, e.g. cigarettes. Thetobacco wax composition, when used in a suitable vaporizer, results inless than 25%, on average or for an individual HPHC, of the levels ofHPHC's from a US-sold Marlboro Red (using comparable methods to measuree.g. Health Canada intense method, or ISO 3308:2000, or Massachusetts,or FTC), preferable less than 10% and more preferably less than 5% andeven more preferable less than 1%. HPHC's so measured, may includewithout limitation, each of the 93 costituents identified by US FDA(April 2012) and available at the time of filing at this link:https://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/Labeling/RulesRegulationsGuidance/ucm297786.htm.

It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to yieldHPHC levels that are substantially below those of the IQOS system with afull flavor Heet, on an individual basis, or taking together as anaverage, or any average basket of all of, or any group of, the followingenumerated analytes (such sole analyte or basket, the “comparator”).Representative HPHC's may include, inter alia, Acetaldehyde, Acrolein,Acrylonitrile, 4-Aminobiphenyl, 1-Aminonaphthalene, 2-Aminonaphthalene,Ammonia, Benzene, Benzo[a]pyrene, 1,3-Butadiene, Crotonaldehyde,Formaldehyde, Isoprene, NNN, or NNK, as well as the other HPHC'sidentified by US FDA (April 2012) and identified by the reference in thepreceding paragraph.

The tobacco wax composition may yield HPHC levels that are at least 30%lower than IQOS-Heet comparator, preferably, 50% lower, still morepreferably 75% lower, and most preferably 90% lower. Such comparisonsmay be made using any known smoking regime, including ISO 3308:2000,Health Canada intense, Massachusetts, FTC, etc.

Ideally, as disclosed in the examples, toxicants measure belowquantifiable limits. It is desirable to mitigate the levels of tobaccospecific nitrosamines (TSNAs) in the composition. The tobacco waxcomposition has TNSA levels preferably less than 10 parts per million(ppm), more preferably less than 3 ppm, more preferably less than 1 ppm,yet more preferably 0.5 ppm and most preferably below quantifiablelimits at the limits of quantification described in the examples below.As shown in the examples, when vaporized the emissions of the tobaccowax composition may result in TSNA levels below quantifiable limits.

Inventors have discovered surprising results in emissions testing of atobacco wax composition, in the form negligible levels of formaldehyde,which has been associated with the relatively low heating temperaturesof heat not burn products. In another aspect, the present inventionrelates to a portion-sized container (“pod”) of a tobacco waxcomposition for administration to a mammal or person. The pod isintended for use in a personal (or other) vaporizer.

The pod is most commonly in a cup like shape. The top is commonly open,and temporarily covered by a covering that is removed just prior to, orin connection with use of the portion sized container.

By portion-sized, the portion may be for multiple uses and sessions bythe user. The tobacco wax composition portion may range from 1 mg to 3grams, preferably from 250 mg to 2 grams, most preferably 400 mg to 1.2grams.

In certain embodiments, the pod is received, or mated to a receivingchamber. The receiving chamber comprises—or is adjacent to—the heatingsystem. The receiving chamber and pod are shaped to maintain closecontact, with the absence or substantial absence of air between the tworespective surfaces (so the pod surfaces are substantially in contactwith the receiving chamber). This promotes heat transfer from thereceiving chamber to the pod.

In certain embodiments, the receiving chamber comprises a ceramic typematerial (e.g. porcelain or ceramic). In certain embodiments, theceramic type material is a positive temperature coefficient (PTC)ceramic, allowing the receiving chamber itself to serve as a heatingelement or heat source.

In certain embodiments, the PTC ceramic (or comparable receiving chambermaterial) is composed such that the Curie point discourages or retardsheating of the tobacco wax composition above a high (upper) threshold.

In another preferred embodiment, heating element(s) are coated and/orprinted (or otherwise applied) directly onto the ceramic heatingchamber. Such an approach enables various heating element patterns andshapes to readily be made, which will generally be optimizes for desiredheating characteristics (e.g. even heating, speed of heating). Suchapplication of the heating element may similarly be performed onnon-ceramic heating chambers.

In certain embodiments, the receiving chamber itself is a comprised ofheating elements. For example, the receiving chamber may be comprised ofa bottom heating element which mates to the bottom of the pod, and oneor more heating loops that hold in place the higher portions of the pod.

In certain embodiments, the pod is a cartridge which comprises a heatingelement.

High threshold temperatures may be associated with toxicant anddegradant production and are to be avoided regardless of the method inwhich the receiving chamber, pod or cartridge is heated. It ispreferable that the tobacco wax composition in the pod not be heated togreater than 400° C., preferably less than 290° C., more preferably lessthan 240° C., still more preferably less than 220° C. Relatively lowtemperatures may be employed given the propensity of the tobacco waxcomposition of the present invention to vaporize. In the preferredembodiment, an upper threshold temperature is not exceeded, or notgenerally or likely to be exceeded in normal consumer use. An optimaltemperature range (low to high) may be 160° C. to 240° C., preferably180° C. to 240° C., more preferably 200° C. to 220° C., for certainembodiments of the present invention.

At the same time, it is desirable that that the device be capable ofrapidly reaching operating temperatures (without overshooting targetoperating temperatures or exceeding high threshold temperatures), orotherwise sufficient temperatures. Preferably, the device is capable ofheating the tobacco wax composition in the pod reach the preferredoperating temperature range rapidly, meaning in less than 10 seconds,preferably in less than 5 seconds, more preferably in less than 3seconds, most preferably in less than 1 second. In certain embodiments,the device has a warm up phase of ten seconds or less, with subsequentpuffs being achieved more rapidly. Multiple preheat cycles may beemployed on the same pod in the event that the user does not consume theproduct in one event.

As shown in Example P, below, a cartridge was able to vaporize thetobacco wax composition very effectively, with “on off”functionality—meaning there was no discernable time lab from the timethe device was activated from inhalation (suction) and the production ofvapor.

By “otherwise sufficient temperatures” Applicants refer to temperatureat which the tobacco wax composition readily vaporizes.

In contrast, the leading commercial heat not burn product, PhilipMorris' IQOS system, requires approximately 20 seconds for the IQOSdevice containing the heat stick, to reach operating temperatures (seeIQOS operating instructions, available here:https://www.pmiscience.com/sites/default/files/appendix_3_-_ths_safety_warnings_and_instructions.pdf).After reaching operating temperature, the entire heat stick must be usedwithin “approximately six minutes” (id). Moreover, the IQOS device mustbe recharged in its charging case after each use: “After each sessionyour IQOS holder must be recharged” (id). The IQOS holder has a largerbattery capacity. Again, according to the same source, “The IQOS pocketcharger can recharge your IQOS holder up to 20 times before it must berecharged itself” (id). Again per the operating instructions, eachHeatstick provides approximately fourteen puffs (id). Because theHeatstick comprises reconstituted tobacco that is pierced by the IQOSheating blade, when heated the reconstituted tobacco will tend to loseplasticity, and may adhere or otherwise crumble into or stick to theIQOS device after use. Accordingly, IQOS provides extensive instructionson how to “release any Heatstick fragments” (id).

This description of IQOS provides a number of difficulties for a user:the need to wait twenty seconds for the device to reach operatingtemperature; the need to consumer the entire heat stick within sixminutes, need to recharge from the larger battery back (the “holder”)every fourteen puffs.

It is an object of the present invention to traverse these issues in theheat not burn category by allowing virtually instant vapor from thetobacco wax composition, and to allow a vapor pen device using astandard on-off heating scheme. Similarly it is an object of the presentinvention to substantially eliminate the need to clean the device.

While ignition of the tobacco wax composition is unlikely, it is anexpress intention that the tobacco wax not be ignited or otherwiseburned by or in the device in most embodiments. A review of theemissions data contained in the examples below, including the absence oftoxicants, confirms that the tobacco wax composition of the presentinvention experience substantially no combustion at temperaturessufficient to vaporize the tobacco wax composition. In the examples,sufficiency of temperature to vaporize the tobacco wax composition isevidenced by the mass-loss during the puff emissions tests.

It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to avoidcombustion.

It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to be aheat not burn product that does not comprise tipping paper.

It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to be aheat not burn product that is not a cigarette.

Airflow is an important feature of a vaporizer system, for the userexperience.

In many embodiments, it is desirable to have no or effectively no bottomairflow into the cup. Bottom airflow is the primary design currentlyused in cigarettes and vapor pens. Bottom airflow directs air directlyover the heating coil (where vapor is created). The wick for e-liquidhelps to prevent leaking of the e-liquid.

In a system for the tobacco wax composition, wicking is generally notpossible. The tobacco wax composition will simply not wick as aconventional e-liquid will. Moreover, an unplugged bottom hole isproblematic with tobacco wax in certain embodiments. This is because hotwax may tend to leak down, re-solidify and clog the bottom airflow(leakage of a conventional e-liquid in a convention tank is unpleasantbut does not clog the device in a disabling manner). Moreover, the nowsolid tobacco wax is fairly difficult to remove. Side airflow, and/ortop airflow is less likely to clog and is thus preferred (either inwhole, in part, or substantially). Top airflow has the benefit that itis the least likely set up to clog.

In both top and side airflow, turbulence is relied upon to mix aircurrents with vapor, since the prevailing airflow is towards themouthpiece (and the vacuum created by the user's inhalation).

In the present invention, the tobacco wax composition containing pod isheated. Vapor forms—often at the bottom and sides of the pod closest tothe heat, and the wax product is vaporized (and climbs through the topof the wax product).

The closer the airflow is to the top of the tobacco wax compositionproduct, the easier it is for turbulence to join the vapor into theprevailing airflow. Thus it is desirable to have side airflow occur inrelatively close proximity to the top of the composition product level.However, if the side airflow is too close to the top of the compositionproduct level then the side airflow holes will be more prone toblockage.

Side airflow may enter through the sides of the pod. In this embodiment,the pod itself has holes that correspond to side airholes located in thesides of the receiving chamber (and permitting airflow, being connectedto the outside of the vaporizer). Such side holes in the pod are coveredprior to use (to protect the product), and such cover is removed by theuser prior to use or automatically by the device.

It is also possible for the device to create side airholes in the podmaterial (as opposed to removing the covering from pre-formed airholes),where a relatively weak material is used that can be readily punctured.

The side airflow must enter above the tobacco wax composition productfill level (as distinct from the top of the pod).

The product fill level must be calibrated to the location of the sideairholes, if any, in the sides of the pod. Side airflow (and airholes)may also enter from the side of the receiving chamber above the top ofthe pod. Where there are side airholes above the top of the pod,similarly the product fill level is still calibrated to the distancefrom the product fill to the airholes. If the distance is too short,blockage is more likely. Similarly, if the distance is too long vaporproduction will be lessened. In certain non-limitative embodiments, theside airholes are less than 4 mm from the starting product fill level,preferably less than 2 mm from the starting product fill level,preferably more than 0.5 mm from the starting fill level, morepreferably more than 1 mm from the starting fill level.

Side airholes may be directed downwards (i.e. at a downwards trajectory)to increase the air vortices and turbulence.

Airholes may be protected from wax blockage in a number of ways. First,a physical obstruction may be employed (e.g. a physical lip). Suchphysical obstructions can make it harder for melted wax to flow into theairhole (particularly when the user physically moves the pen duringuse—for example, starting with a vaporizer perpendicular to the flow andthen moving the vaporizer to a parallel position for use). Similarly,materials (including coatings) may be selected to minimize or direct theflow of liquid wax away from the airholes to prevent blockage. Physicalchannels (e.g.) grooves may be similarly employed to direct the flow ifliquid wax away from the airholes.

Placement of airhole locations can be oriented to avoid or reduceblockage. Typically, the personal vaporizer may be raised to mouth of auser and held parallel to the ground when used. However, in aconventional vaporizer, there is no way to predict how the vaporizerwill be oriented by the user. A conventional heat button can be readilyused by the thumb or an opposing finger, and is not a good predictor fororientation (although the user will typically have the battery buttonpointing up or down). The mouthpiece however can be shaped in such a waythat is intuitive to the user to orient the vaporizer in a certaindirection (as a non-limitative example, a plastic cigarillo tip istypically formed in a way that a user would know how to orient thecigarillo). In this embodiment, the side airholes can be oriented suchthat the airholes are biased to the up-wards plane when the vaporizer isoriented parallel to the ground plane (since we know how the user willorient the vaporizer because of the mouthpiece. For example, threeairholes may be used (in the receiving chamber potentially with alignedpod holes) that are positioned with a bias against the downward side(meaning the airholes are biased towards the upward side when the deviceis uses as expected including through use of a shaped or markedmouthpiece).

The vaporizer, pod and/or receiving chamber may have up to ten sideairholes, preferably 2-6 side airholes most preferably 3-5 sideairholes. Where a mesh or similar covers the airhole opening, the numberof airholes would be understood to be the number of air channels.

The device may similarly be marked or shaped on a part of the deviceother than the mouthpiece to indicate a desired orientation (withcorresponding placement of airholes as described above to reduceblockage potential). For example and without limitation, shapeindentations may be provided to signal a desired holding of the devicein the hand.

In certain non-limitative embodiments, the pod has a diameter of 3-15mm, preferably 6-10 mm (with a corresponding internal diameter for thereceiving chamber).

In certain non-limitative embodiments, the pod has a height of 0.5 to 22mm, preferably 2 to 10 mm (with a corresponding size for the receivingchamber).

In certain embodiments, the pod itself may comprise the heating chamber,optionally including the heating element as a component of the pod.While this embodiment may be more costly to manufacture (as comparedwith a pod that merely mates with a heating chamber), such embodimentoffers the advantage of providing a fresh heating elements with eachpod. Such advantage may be associated with increased puff consistencysince degradation of the heating element is avoided through less use(i.e. replacement or substantial replacement with each new pod).

Heated tobacco wax compositions in a pod can be explosive (in terms ofphysical motion—not ignition) when wax at the bottom of a pod isvaporized, and the vapor pressure is such as to disrupt the wax above toallow the vapor to escape. It is desirable to have a “shield”—a physicalobstruction that prevents direct passage of heated tobacco waxcomposition material from the pod or cup to the mouthpiece. Generallythe shield is attached to the mouthpiece (but it may equally attach toother parts of the vaporizer). The shield may also employ featuresintended to increase airflow turbulence, without adversely affecting theuser's “draw” on the vaporizer.

The Pod may similarly be designed to minimize the possibility of waxexplosions. For example (and without limitation), a rim or brim on thepod may act in the same manner as the shield to obstruct wax explosionsfrom traversing the mouth piece.

The pod-receiving chamber may have a rail, slot or comparable alignmentinterface to ensure the pod is appropriately aligned in the receivingchamber, including for other reasons, so that the airholes from thereceiving chamber align or substantially align with the pod airholes. Inthis embodiment, the pod has complimentary features to mate with thealignment interface. Such alignment may also be used for other purposes,i.e. to facilitate other connections between pod and receiving chamber(e.g. data link, ejector system, etc).

The vaporization device may have an ejection system to facilitateejection of the pod from the receiving chamber (as opposed to relyingupon shaking or use of inertia to evacuate the pod). Such system maycomprise, without limitation, a physical ejector to lift the pod out ofthe receiving chamber.

A mouthpiece sits above the pod-receiving chamber assembly. Themouthpiece employs a combination of distance and relatively low heattransfer properties to ensure the mouthpiece is not uncomfortably warmfor the user. The mouthpiece may be integrated with a shield and/or adevice to increase turbulent airflow.

Distinct from the concept of the shield described herein, certainembodiments will have a sleeve designed to ease cleaning of themouthpiece. Wax may form on the inside mouthpiece during use of thematerial, either from explosion of wax or from condensation ofmaterials. Such remainder wax may be unsightly and require manualcleaning. In certain embodiments, a sleeve may be shaped such that itadheres or substantially adheres to the mouthpiece. The sleeve may bedisposable, allowing a user to simply dispose of the sleeve (rather thancleaning the mouthpiece), akin to a disposable coffee filter. The sleevemay comprise any suitable material, including without limitation, apaper, pressed paper, cardboard, a cellulosic, or other suitablematerial. The selected material for the sleeve should resist formationfrom air vortices, or from trapped wax or condensate. The sleevematerial may be coated. Coatings may be designed (and sleeve materialsselected) to resist adhesion of wax (to encourage the adhered materialto drop back to the heating chamber), or to encourage adhesion.Encouraging adhesion may useful to avoid contact of the user withcondensate when removing the sleeve. The sleeve may be absorbent tobetter catch the wax or condensate.

A reusable sleeve may also be employed in certain embodiments. In suchembodiments, the sleeve may be removed, cleaned, and replaced. For suchreusable embodiments, any suitable material may be employed that can bereadily re-used.

For embodiments for which the mouthpiece can be used with a sleeve, themouthpiece must be capable of being easily placed into the mouthpiece,as well as capable of being readily released by the user for disposal orcleaning. A latch or locking mechanism may be employed. In someembodiments, the sleeve is held in place by simple screwing themouthpiece onto the heating chamber. Preferably, the sleeve can bereleased in less than 5 seconds by the user, preferably in less than 2seconds, most preferably in less than one second.

The sleeve may be any suitable color. In certain embodiments, a shade ofbrown may be used to better mask the appearance of the adhered ortrapped wax. In general, but without limitation, dark colors arepreferred.

In certain embodiments, the pod itself may be fashioned from a materialthat heats, e.g. a PTC ceramic. Other materials may also be used thatheat when electric current is supplied. In this embodiment, thereceiving chamber acts as a physical receiving area, may provide airflow(airholes) and may integrate power to the pod. The pod may furthercomprise a thermistor to measure temperature, either of the pod itselfor wax contained therein.

Empty pods may also be offered to allow the user to treat the device asan open system (meaning they can use their own vaporizable materials).

The pod may be made from any suitable material. Special care must begiven that the pod material does not emit undesirable elements whenheated. The material will generally be a solid material, but flexiblematerials may also be employed. In a cartridge system, a flexiblebladder or chamber may be employed. In certain embodiments this flexiblebladder may assist to promote flow of the tobacco wax compositiontowards the heating element.

While a pod with a flat or substantially flat bottom surface isdesirable for handling by the consumer, other shapes may be used.Specifically, a shape whereby the cup is half a circle will mean reducemean geographic distance from the receiving chamber walls. Other shapescan be selected with this same purpose, i.e. to reduce geographicdistance. Corners may, ceteris paribus, create higher heat areas withinthe tobacco wax contained in the pod.

In certain embodiments, the pod may be integrated with the sleevefunction. For example, the pod may be in the shape of a circularcauldron—which is heated—connected to an upper conical shape thatprevents the mouthpiece from getting wax or wax condensate adhered. Insuch embodiments, the pod may be comprised of multiple materials—thelower portion designed for heating, and a separate upper material thatis designed to function as a sleeve. In some embodiment, it may bedesirable to have a separating material between the heatable portion ofthe pod and the sleeve portion. It in cases where adequate power isavailable, the design may allow the sleeve to heat. Such heat may beuseful to reduce adhered wax composition.

In certain embodiments, a v-shape may be used to flow wax towards theheating element. By v-shape, we refer to the use of slope to employgravitational flow of the tobacco wax composition.

In certain embodiments, the top of the pod is covered with a porouslayer which remains on top of the pod during use. This porous layer issufficiently porous to allow for transmission of sufficient vapor forthe user. The porous layer is similarly sufficiently porous not tointerfere or prevent a desired pressure drop.

In certain embodiments, the pressure drop of the device used to vaporizethe tobacco wax composition, inclusive of the pod if any, will have apressure drop of 20 (mm H20) to 175 (mm H20), preferably 75 (mm H20) to130 mm (1420), most preferably 90 (mm H20) to 110 (mm H20). Pressuredrop is measured using Coresta Guide No. 4, or other accepted method formeasuring pressure drop.

The porous layer is sufficiently non-porous to prevent (or substantiallyprevent or partly prevent) parts of the wax composition from explodingupwards and escaping from the heating chamber to whence they may adhereto the mouthpiece.

The porous layer may be made from any suitable material. In certainembodiments, a thermo-conductive material is used, such that thepermeable layer. Thermo-conduction may be used to encourage parts of thewax composition that are caught or trapped on the permeable layer todrip off and re-join the wax composition in the heating chamber (and/orthemselves be vaporizer).

In certain embodiments, the porous layer may be selected or coated so asto resist adhesion of wax composition components to the layer.

In certain embodiments, the porous layer includes heating element(s).

In certain embodiments, the top of the pod is covered with two layers.The outer layer is an impermeable or semi-impermeable layer for barrierpurposes (i.e. product stability and freshness) (a “barrier layer”).Underneath the outer layer is the porous layer which remains on duringuse.

In certain embodiments, porous materials—akin to those described for theporous top layer, may be used to cover side-holes or other airholes.

The top of the pod may be configured to allow for easy access by aconsumer. This allows a consumer to add other waxes or extracts to thePod. Conversely, the system may be configured to make it difficult for aconsumer to add their own materials to the pod.

A temperature meter can be built into the pod (including withoutlimitation a cartridge), the receiving chamber, or both. The pod andreceiving chamber are used as part of a vaporizing system, furthercomprising a power source (typically electric, but it may also be acarbon-based source, or butane based source or other source of heat),and a control module that allows the user to select heat settings, turnthe device on or off, as well as other features. The device may be ableto store and communicate use data.

A temperature meter in a cartridge may be particularly useful forembodiments that employ a warming cycle as discussed below.

The Pod may be able to communicate to the device (or the devicedetermine from the Pod) the type of Pod (flavor, quantity of tobacco waxcomposition, nicotine strength, etc).

It will be appreciated that the use of a Pod will give additionalflexibility to the wax composition formulation, because non-vaporizableingredients may be used in the composition without leaving thenon-vaporizable ingredients as residue that require cleaning by a user.Film formers or molasses (and other sugars and sweeteners) arenon-limitative examples of non-vaporizable ingredients that may beemployed.

The use of the pod is not limited to tobacco wax compositions but mayalso be employed with other botanical or plant wax compositions, as wellas e-liquids. Such materials may be used in combination with tobaccowax. References herein to tobacco wax compositions can also refer tothese products and compositions comprising them.

One potential negative with the pod may be the availability of too muchtobacco wax composition for vaporization when vaporization temperatureis reached, particularly where the temperature is not effectivelycontrolled. This can result in puffs where are too strong—bothorganoleptically and also unequally. Unequally meaning a variance instrength and emissions puff to puff. Generally speaking, such varianceis undesirable.

The tobacco wax composition may be coated on a heated rod, or othersubstrate. The direct contact with the heated rod (or other substrate)allows for rapid heating. The substrate may be shaped as a rod, or othershape (for example, and without limitation, a rectangle, foldedrectangle)

In certain embodiments, the pod may use a matrix material to trap thetobacco wax composition. Such matrix may be metal or non-metal. Incertain embodiments, an organic or synthetic cotton is used that cantrap the tobacco wax composition. As the tobacco wax composition isheated, and becomes flowable, it leaves the cotton and is available forvaporization. The use of a matrix in the pod (or other chamber, such asa cartridge) may be useful in certain embodiments to promote puff topuff consistency (i.e. reduce puff strength variability). Obviously, itis important that the matrix material does not leach impurities into thetobacco wax composition. In certain embodiments, a metal matrix may bedesirable for heat transfer.

Some distinctions in heat transfer are important to understand inconnection with various embodiments of the present invention. In IQOSand BAT's GLO, the tobacco stick (comprising reconstituted tobacco)requires airspaces in the reconstituted tobacco stick to allow for theaerosolized components to travel from the reconstituted sheet and outthrough the mouthpiece. Were such air spaces absent, and the tobaccostick comprised of a solid reconstituted plug, it would be extremelydifficult (and require substantial heat) to force the aerosol throughthe solid plug. As a practical matter, only components on edge of asolid plug would successfully vaporize. This can be seen as analogous tooral thin film casting, wherein water can get trapped in a polymericmatrix and become difficult to remove through heating.

The IQOS device has an operational temperature of 350 C; in contrast theGLO uses has a lower operating temperature of 240° C. This difference inoperating heating temperatures can likely be explained by the differentheating configurations of the two devices. IQOS employs a flat, thin,heated blade or knife upon which the tobacco stick is impaled. The knifedoes not reach the outer edges of the heat stick (tobacco stick)(otherwise it would destroy the tipping paper on the outside of thetobacco stick). Approximately, it can be thought of as having the widthof 0.8 of the tobacco stick. In contrast, GLO reportedly heats from thecircumference surrounding the tobacco stick. Assuming a heating elementof the same length, the circumference approach has greater surface area(circumference * length). Assuming a diameter of 1, and identicallength, the GLO approach offers a surface heating area of 1*3.14, asopposed to two sides of the flat blade (0.8*2=1.6). This greater surfaceheating area (again assuming identical lengths) likely explains in partthe lower operating temperature of the GLO system.

However, in both GLO and IQOS, heat is required to travel throughairspaces. Air must be drawn in by convection current to be heated, andair is understood to be a very poor heat conductor. Heat transfer by airconvection is an essential component of both IQOS and GLO. The use ofair convection, together with the relative difficultly of aerosolizingcomponents from a solid matrix, helps to explain the relatively longwarm up period for these products (20 seconds) and relatively highoperating temperatures.

In contrast, the tobacco wax of the composition has no or substantiallyair spaces. In various embodiments, it is a solid, semi-solid or viscousliquid. All of these embodiments substantially lack air spaces. Theresult is that the tobacco wax composition has efficient heat transferattributes. Glycerin and propylene glycol both have excellent heattransfer properties (sufficiently good for use in anti-freeze systems),as does the tobacco wax itself. The tobacco wax composition is heated inpreferred embodiments with the absence or substantial absence of airconvection to heat the tobacco wax composition.

In certain embodiments, the tobacco wax composition of the presentinvention has a thermal conductivity at 300 k (80.3 F) of greater than0.1, preferably greater than 0.2, more preferably greater than 0.25 (W/mK).

The substantial absence of air in the tobacco wax composition may alsoserve to prevent or reduce oxidation when the tobacco wax composition isheated.

The positive organaleptics, the ability to achieve strong vapor outputs,and the low emissions levels of potentially harmful constituents, makethe tobacco wax compositions of the present invention as highlydesirable consumer products, particularly for the heat not burn tobaccocategory. Well most embodiments of the present invention contemplatethat tobacco wax compositions will be consumed alone, it is alsopossible to use tobacco wax compositions in hybrid tobacco products. Forexample, the relatively low vapor production of reconstituted tobaccoheat burn products may be improved by the addition of tobacco wax and/ortobacco wax compositions to the reconstituted sheet. The tobacco waxand/or tobacco wax compositions may be added to the matrix prior tocasting or creating the reconstituted sheet, or added to after thereconstituted sheet is formed. Or, the tobacco wax composition may bepositioned in a product separately from the reconstituted tobacco. Forexample, a cigarette form may comprise a tobacco wax composition, andseparately, a plug of reconstituted tobacco. For such embodiments, it isparticularly desirable to use a tobacco wax composition that issubstantially a solid. The lower temperatures needed to vaporize tobaccowax compositions may be desirable here to produced effluent vapor whilethe reconstituted sheet is still in warm up phase. Similarly, tobaccowax compositions can be used with separately contained liquids, akin toBAT's iFUSE product.

In certain embodiments, the pod is a cartridge that optionally comprisesits own heating element.

Stickiness of tobacco wax composition to the pod, cartridge or othervessel may be an issue. Stickiness is particularly an issue in a system(e.g. cartridge) where the heating element heats a small portion of thetobacco wax composition at a time (e.g. a Juul style cartridge or othercartridge design which heats a small portion of the tobacco waxcomposition to vaporization at a time)

In certain embodiments, the pod including without limitation a cartridgemay use a low energy substrate for product contact areas. The substratemay be used for all product contact areas, substantially all, or part ofproduct contact areas. Preferred substrates include FEP and PTFE. Thesubstrate must be capable of handling the heat in the cartridge (or pod)without degradation, or with minimal degradation. Leaching is to beavoided.

In certain embodiments, the surface energy of the substrate used forproduct contact is less than 24 Dynes/cm, preferably less than 22Dynes/cm, more preferably less than 20 Dynes/cm, and most preferablyless than 19 Dynes/cm. Such low energy substrates may also be desirablefor use in connection with product contact areas (or potential contactareas) of other heat not burn products, such as systems using a solidreconstituted tobacco matrix like IQOS, GLO or comparable systems, toreduce or eliminate undesirable sticking of the tobacco matrix.

In certain embodiments, heating of the tobacco wax composition isemployed to reduce adhesion, including without limitation in certainembodiments in conjunction with a low surface energy substrate forproduct contact areas. Such heating preferably heats the tobacco waxcomposition being stored in the cartridge or other container (i.e. apartfrom the heating element). Preferably the tobacco wax composition isheated to 30 C or above, preferably to 45 C or above, more preferably to55 C or above. Such heating may occur via thermal conduction from theheating element in regular use. The cartridge may be designed toencourage such thermal conduction, including inter alia through the useof a cartridge (or pod) material with suitable thermal conductionproperties. A non-limitative example is an aluminum cartridge with a lowenergy substrate coating the product contact areas. Other metals, andother conductive materials may be used for this purpose.

Additionally, a secondary cartridge (or pod) heating element may beemployed to reach desired temperatures for the tobacco wax compositionin the chamber. In another embodiment, a warming cycle may be used withthe product is not in use to encourage flow of the tobacco waxcomposition towards to the heating element. In one non-limitativeembodiment, an external vaporizer charger unit holds the vaporizer in avertical (or near vertical) position, and performs one or warming cyclesto encourage flow of the tobacco wax composition down and towards theprimary product heating element (located at the bottom end of thechamber). In another non-limitative embodiment, the charger device has aseparate heating element (separate from the heating element(s) in thevaporizer itself) that uses a warming cycle or cycles to encourage flowof the tobacco wax composition, optionally during the charging cycle.The warming cycle may take from 1 second to five minutes, preferably 2-4minutes. Optionally, vibration or wave energy may be employed toencourage flow.

Heating the tobacco wax composition to promote flow, together with a lowenergy substrate, can encourage flow and allows for high efficiency oftobacco wax composition utilization from a cartridge. By tobacco taxcomposition utilization, we mean the percentage of the tobacco waxcomposition that is successfully vaporized. As demonstrated in Example Qbelow, with standard plastics, the tobacco wax composition utilizationwas relatively low at approximately 66%. Using suitable materials, weteach a tobacco wax composition utilization rate of greater than 75%,preferably greater than 80%, more preferably greater than 90%, and mostpreferably greater than 95%.

Texture may also be employed in cartridge (or pod or other container) toencourage flow of the tobacco wax composition. The use of texture tofacilitate flow is described as the “Lotus Effect.” Lai's “MimickingNature: Physical basis and artificial synthesis of the Lotus Effect”(2003) (available at:https://web.archive.org/web/20070930222543/http://home.wanadoo.nl/scslai/lotus.pdf)is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.Additionally, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_effect, as retrievedon Mar. 7, 2018, is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully setforth herein. These textures may be incorporated into the pod, cartridgeor other container.

Certain embodiments of the invention are described herein with referenceto FIGS. 1-9, which schematically show examples of the method and systemof the present invention. However, applicants' invention is not limitedto the particular embodiments/examples shown in the figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a 11 heating chamber containing a10 tobacco wax composition. The outside of the heating chamber assemblyis 12. In certain preferred embodiments, the tobacco wax composition isin a pod.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective of the heating chamber sub assembly,including a ceramic heating chamber 11, which may contain a pod or maycomprise itself a pod. The 13 heating element may be printed or coatedonto the heating chamber, which in preferred embodiments in ceramic. 12is the wall of the heating chamber casing. 14 is an air flow slot forthe heating chamber or pod receiver. 15 is an airhole in the heatchamber or pod receiver (other airhole figurations may be employed indifferent embodiments). 16 is an electrode insulator. 17 is theelectrode. 18 is the mouthpiece screw thread.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the heating chamber containing atobacco wax composition. 10 is the tobacco wax composition; othernumbers are as above.

FIG. 4 is a cross section of the wall of the 12 heating chamber casing.

FIG. 5 is a cross section of the receiver for the heating chamber orpod, including the battery connection section. 19 is the battery screwthread.

FIG. 6 is a cross section of the 17 electrode.

FIG. 7 is a cross section of the 16 electrode insulator.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pod (or heating chamber) showing a 13printed or coated heating element and 20 positive and 21 negativeelectrical contacts.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a 11 pod, a 23 porous layer,and a 22 barrier layer.

As is apparent, the tobacco wax composition is contained and bounded bythe pod shape, or otherwise by the heating chamber. When used in adevice, it typically comprises no substrate, paper or tipping paper.This absence distinguishes the product from typical heat not burnproducts like IQOS or GLo.

EXAMPLE A

Tobacco wax was removed from tobacco leaf using supercritical CO2extraction. Tobacco oil was mixed in with the wax, while retaining a waxconsistency. The material was fragrant and dark brown in color. Anicotine assay indicated a nicotine strength for the tobacco wax of 4%.

The wax was placed in a dry herb vaporizer and vaped by a healthy adultmale. The tobacco wax vaporized creating a nice vapor volume. Thenicotine delivery was strong and the product was fragrant with tobaccofragrance. The tobacco wax substantially vaporized leaving minimalresidue on the heating coil.

EXAMPLE B

The tobacco wax of Example A was taken and 10% of vegetable glycerin and5% of propylene glycol (measuring by weight of the final composition)was added. The tobacco wax accepted the addition of these vapor agents.The resulting composition was placed in a dry herb vaporizer and used bya healthy adult male. The flavor was excellent and the vapor productionwas increased from Example A.

EXAMPLE C

The tobacco wax of Example A was taken and grape flavor from TobaccoTechnology, Maryland was added, at 3.5% of the composition. Theresulting tobacco wax composition was placed in a dry herb vaporizer andused by a healthy adult male. The grape taste was enjoyed by the user.

EXAMPLE D

Tobacco wax was extracted from a different of blend tobacco leaf usingsupercritical CO2 extraction. The tobacco wax was dark with a slightlygreen tinge. The nicotine content of the tobacco wax was approximately1.5%. Nicotine glycerin solution (10%) was added to 10% of the finalcomposition weight. The product vaped well but the flavor notes wherenot as attractive as the tobacco wax of Example A. It was observed thatadditional flavors could improve the product.

EXAMPLE E

Oil from the extraction of tobacco described in Example D was added tothe tobacco wax of Example D, and the composition was mixed using strongshear forces. The resulting product vaped well and left very littleresidue.

EXAMPLE F

Tobacco wax from Example A was placed in a vaporizer. A small amount ofzero nicotine flavored e-liquid was added to the vaporizer. The two werenot otherwise mixed other than to insert them together. The wax and thezero were vaporized together. A fair amount of residue was left by thismix in the vaporizer. The exercise was repeated with a yet smalleramount of e-liquid with improve results including much less residue.

EXAMPLE G

Tobacco wax from Example A was compounded with a small amount of sodiumcarbonate as a buffer agent to affect a more basic pH.

EXAMPLE H

Tobacco wax was extracted from flue cured tobacco with low TSNA levels.The extraction was performed using supercritical CO2 extraction. The waxpartition was approximately 4% of the mass of the starting tobacco.Tobacco wax was also extracted from burley tobacco with low TSNA levels,again using supercritical CO2 extraction, and again with a yield ofapproximately 4%.

EXAMPLE I

The tobacco wax partitions of Example H were blended, at a ratio of 70%flue cured to 30% burley. The combined wax partition was then mixed withvegetable glycerin, for a final composition of 50% tobacco wax, and 50%vegetable glycerin.

EXAMPLE J

The final composition of example I was sent to a third party laboratoryfor nicotine testing. The composition was measured to contain 3.3%nicotine, implying that the blended wax partition had a startingnicotine level of 6.6% (prior to dilution with vegetable glycerin). LOQfor the testing was 0.16%.

EXAMPLE K

The final composition of Example I was sent to a third party laboratoryfor emissions testing. Results were as follows.

Aer- Propyl- Ethyl- Diethyl- osol ene ene Men- Nic- ene Glyc- MassDevice Puff Glycol Glycol thol otine Glycol erol Col- Loss Inter- mg/mg/ mg/ mg/ mg/ mg/ lected Mass vals puff puff puff puff puff puff mg mg1-50 BQL BQL BQL 0.051 BQL 0.510 34.9 52.2 LOQ 0.020 0.002 0.004 0.0080.002 0.020 NA NA

Carbonyls testing results were as follows.

Acetyl Acetalde Pro- Cronton- Di- Formalde Device Puff hyde Acetoinpionyl aldehyde acetyl hyde Loss Inter- μg/ μg/ μg/ μg/ μg/ μg/ Massvals puff puff puff puff puff puff mg 1-50 0.06 BQL BQL BQL BQL BQL 31.1LOQ 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 NA

TNSA results were as follows.

Aerosol Device NNN NNK Mass Loss Puff ng/ ng/ Collected Mass Intervalpuff puff mg mg 1-50 BQL BQL 45.0 51.6 LOQ 0.20 0.20 NA NA NAT NAB ng/gng/g FC/BU BQL BQL Blend LOQ 15 15

The smoke regime for the above testing was: 55 mL puff/30 sec interval/3sec duration. The composition was vaporized in a vaporization pen, onhigh heat.

Inventors compared the above results with those publicly available forPhilip Morris International's IQOS system (see papers linked fromwww.pmiscience.com, including inter alia, Zenzen at al. “Reducedexposure evaluation of an Electrically Heated Cigarette Smoking System.Part 2: Smoke chemistry and in vitro toxicological evaluation usingsmoking regimens reflecting human puffing behavior” RegulatoryToxicology and Pharmacology, Volume 71, Issue 2, March 2015). Theinventors concluded that the tobacco wax composition of the presentinvention provides superior toxicant profile (i.e. substantially lowerlevels of the measured toxicants) as compared with IQOS. This wasparticularly notable in the case of formaldehyde, which is considered tobe a lower temperature degradant product, and hence one that isdifficult to substantially reduce in heat not burn tobacco products (ascompared with combustibles). For an excellent discussion of combustionand tobacco, see Thomas McGrath's presentation entitled “What iscombustion and why is the absence of combustion important for heat notburn products” (Jun. 16, 2017 presentation at the Global Forum onNicotine 2017) (available here:https://gfn.net.co/downloads/Presentations 2017/Dr %20Thomas %20Mc%20Grath.pdf). All of the above references are hereby incorporated byreference as if fully stated herein.

Whereas McGrath describes reduced toxicant formation (as compared withcombustibles) of >90 to >95% (and such results with a less rigorous 2second puff testing, 55 ml, 30 second intervals), Applicants achievedsuperior reductions with the above results, i.e. >98% reduction and inmany cases below quantifiable limits. Applicants noted that achievingsuperior toxicant reductions is particularly surprising in view of themulti-billion dollar R&D effort (publicly disclosed) associated with thedevelopment of IQOS.

Applicants postulated that the basis for this surprising result mayreflect in part reduced energy requirements to volatilize the tobaccowax compositions of the present invention, as compared to the energyrequirements needed aerosolize the components contained in the solidmatrix which is the reconstituted tobacco comprising the Heat Stick usedin IQOS.

Applicants noted that below quantifiable limits indicates that no amountof the analyte exists above the limit of quantification. Thus, in thecase of each analyte measuring below quantifiable limits, the analyte isunderstood to exist at a level ranging from zero to less than thequantifiable limit.

EXAMPLE L

Polysorbate (Tween 20) was added to the composition of Example I, andthe resulting composition was placed in 5 ml tubes, alongside of 5 mltubes filled with the composition of I. It was noted that the additionof polysborbate substantially reduced separation of the vegetableglycerin from the tobacco wax.

EXAMPLE M

A healthy male volunteer vaped the tobacco extracts described in ExampleH separately, i.e. as flue cured and burley (each with glycerin), and a70-30 blend (each with glycerin). The blend was particularly pleasant,offered excellent tobacco flavor and rich tobacco satisfaction.

EXAMPLE N

A healthy male volunteer took a Ploom Model 2 device, and removed thetobacco from the product's pod, and replaced this tobacco with thetobacco wax composition of L. The Model 2 was then started in accordancewith its directions. The Model 2 has a thirty second warm up period, andreaches an operating temperature of 175 C/ 347 F. The tobacco waxcomposition violently vaporized during the warm up phase (the indicatinglight blinks during said phase), and bubbled out of the mouthpiece. Thisdemonstrated that the tobacco wax composition, in certain embodiments ofthe present invention, readily vaporizes under 347 F. The inventorsattributed the ability of the tobacco wax vaporization to be readilyvaporized—using on-off heating (as opposed to a prolonged warm upstage—meaning a warm up stage taking over 3, 4 or 5 seconds).

EXAMPLE O

This example relates to vaporization temperature testing.

The sample tested was made as follows. The wax and oil partitions fromsupercritical fluid (CO2) extraction of Flue Cured tobacco werecombined. The wax and oil partitions from supercritical fluid (CO2)extraction of Burley Tobacco were combined. The result was a veryviscous, if flowable liquid. These two were mixed in a ratio of 70:30(seven parts flue cured to three parts burley). This mixture was in turncombined with vegetable glycerin in a ratio of 50:50 (one part oftobacco mixture to one part of vegetable glycerin).

A simple closed pod system was filled with the tobacco wax composition.Testing equipment included a Digital Multimeter (Rigol DM 3068), atemperature sensor (PT100A), a brass steamer, and Mathlab software.

With approximate 5 watt power, some burning was observed. With powerreduced to 3.5 watt, the system product very thick vapor withoutburning. The system was able to produce good vapor at 1.7 watt. Thepower for a tobacco wax composition vaporizer is preferably 1.25 to 4watts, more preferably

Some boiling was observed at 100 C, which suggests some residual watercontent. Vapor production began at 160 C. Thicker vapor began at 200 C.Temperature stabilized at 240 C, suggesting 240 C as the maximumvaporization temperature. This suggests a heating temperature range inwhich to operate of 160 C to 250 C, preferably 180 C to 230C, morepreferably 200 C to 220 C.

Notably, the viscosity of the tobacco wax composition reduced underheat. Reduction was observed starting at 30 C, with greater effect notedat 45 C.

EXAMPLE P

Example P involved a series of tests using the tobacco wax compositionof Example 0. This tobacco wax composition was placed in a plasticcartridge similar to the JUUL system sourced from American WholesaleVapor, Shenzhen China. The cartridge was able to vaporize thecomposition very effectively, with “on off” functionality—meaning therewas no discernable time lab from the time the device was activated frominhalation (suction) and the production of vapor. However, sticking ofthe tobacco wax composition was observed, which resulted on amounts ofthe tobacco wax composition sticking to the cartridge and failing tovaporize.

Different substrates were considered that could reduce or eliminatesticking in a cartridge. Surface energy of substrates was consideredwith reference to Technibond Limited UK literature (2018)(www.technibond.co.uk).

Substrate Surface Energy (Dynes/cm) Copper 1103 Aluminum 840 Tin 526Stainless Steel  700-1100 Glass 250-500 Kapton ® (Polyimide) 50Polycarbonate 42 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) 39 Polyethylene 31Polypropylene 29 Silicones 22-24 Teflon PTFE 18

The tobacco wax composition is strongly adherent to each surface at roomtemperature regardless of surface energy. At room temperature, adhesionis strong, even on Teflon. Delrin, a polyoxymethylene polymer, alsoshowed adhesion at room temperature.

Property PTFE FEP PFA ETFE Non-Stick Excellent Excellent Excellent FairHeat Resist 260 C.+ 200 C. 260 C. 150 C. Hardness 60D 55D 60D 75D SaltSpray Fair Excellent Excellent Excellent Abrasion Fair Good Very GoodExcellent Resistance

The above chart is reproduced from the following website:http://www.product-release.com/our-labs/.

PTFE is polytetrafluoroethylene. FEP is fluorinated ethylene propylene.PFA is perfluoroalkoxy copolymer. ETFE is(ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene).

A thin film of Chemours FEP was tried and even at room temperature therewas a slight beading of the tobacco wax composition. At increasingtemperature for the tobacco wax composition, the PTFE and FEP lowsurface energy polymers begin to show non-stick behavior with thetobacco wax composition. Visually, FEP appears superior to PTFE.

Solid plates of FEP and PTFE were purchased and heated on a heatingblock with noticeable change in tobacco wax composition adhesion. Fromvisual assessments, 45 C appeared to be a minimum sweet spot for FEO andthe tobacco wax composition (to reduce adhesion).

At higher temperatures (above 45 C), the effect is more pronounces withthe tobacco wax composition not sticking to the substrate. It alsoappears to be reversible for both polymers when the temperature iscycled between room temperature an 45 C. There is a prounced change inthe contact angle.

Xylan PLUS (fluorpolymer based) aluminum coatings—even at highertemperatures—did not result in reduced adhesion. The same observationwas made for a ceramic coating. However, it was noted that the Teflon®suite of products may be useful.

A low surface energy substrate may be used to in a cartridge (or pod orother container) to reduce adhesion of the tobacco wax composition. Thelower energy substrate is less than 24 Dynes/cm, preferably less than 22Dynes/cm, more preferably less than 20 Dynes/cm, and most preferablyless than 19 Dynes/cm. In certain embodiments, heating of the tobaccowax composition is employed to reduce adhesion. Such heating preferablyheats the tobacco wax composition being stored in the chamber (i.e.apart from the heating element). Preferably the tobacco wax compositionis heated to 30 C or above, preferably to 45 C or above, more preferablyto 55 C or above. Heating the tobacco wax composition to promote flow,together with a low energy substrate, can encourage flow and allows forhigh efficiency of tobacco wax composition utilization from a cartridge.By tobacco tax composition utilization, we mean the percentage of thetobacco wax composition that is successfully vaporized. As demonstratedin Example Q below, with standard plastics, the tobacco wax compositionutilization was relatively low. Using suitable materials, we teach atobacco wax composition utilization rate of greater than 75%, preferablygreater than 80%, more preferably greater than 90%, and most preferablygreater than 95%.

Texture may also be employed in cartridge (or pod or other container) toencourage flow of the tobacco wax composition. The use of texture isdescribed as the “Lotus Effect.”

EXAMPLE Q

This example demonstrates tobacco wax composition utilization using astandard cartridge, similar to JUUL system sourced from AmericanWholesale Vapor, Shenzhen China. The cartridge was filled with thetobacco wax composition of Example P. Using a standard balance, theamount of tobacco wax composition added to the cartridge was measured at900 milligrams. A healthy adult volunteer used the cartridge over aperiod of three days, to the point at which the cartridge would nolonger produce substantial vapor. The cartridge was weighed again todetermine the residual tobacco wax composition that failed to vaporize,and that amount was calculated to be approximately 300 grams, implying atobacco wax composition utilization rate of 66%. This utilization ratecan be improved upon using superior materials and methods, as taughtherein.

EXAMPLE R

This example demonstrated in inability to combust or light the tobaccowax composition of Example O. The tobacco wax composition was placed inan aluminum foil substrate, and it was attempted to be lit using along-necked butane lighter (commonly used for bbq use). Despite holdingthe flame in contact with the tobacco wax composition for periods of upto thirty seconds, no propensity for combustion was observed. Thetobacco wax composition could but be ignited or lit with a butanelighter (“non-combustible”). In contrast, using the same lighterattempts were made to light a Kent® Neostick for Glo. The Neostick litfairly easily and was able to be smoked like a cigarette. This Neostickexperiment was repeated after a Neostick had been used, and again theNeostick lit readily and was able to be smoked.

We claim:
 1. A tobacco wax composition suitable for vaporization,comprising tobacco wax and at least one vapor agent.
 2. The tobacco waxcomposition of claim 1 wherein the tobacco wax composition has anicotine content of greater than 2%.
 3. The tobacco wax composition ofclaim 1 wherein the tobacco wax composition is flowable.
 4. The tobaccowax composition of claim 2, wherein the tobacco wax compositioncomprises 30% to 65% of a vapor agent.
 5. The combination of the tobaccowax composition of claim 3 and a cartridge, wherein said tobacco waxcomposition is contained in the cartridge.
 6. The combination of claim5, wherein the areas of the cartridge in contact with the tobacco waxcomposition comprise a material with a surface energy of less than 20Dynes/cm.
 7. The combination of claim 6, wherein the material with asurface energy of less than 20 Dynes/cm comprises PTFE or FEP.
 8. Asystem for vaporization of a tobacco wax composition, comprising adevice including a heating element, and a pod containing a tobacco waxcomposition, said tobacco wax composition comprising tobacco wax and atleast one vapor agent.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the system hasvapor emissions with TSNA levels below quantifiable limits on a per puffbasis, when measured using: 55 mL puff/30 sec interval/3 sec duration,and the quantifiable limit is 0.20 ng/puff.
 10. The system of claim 8,wherein the system has formaldehyde emissions of below quantifiablelimits on a per puff basis, when measured using: 55 mL puff/30 secinterval/3 sec duration, and the quantifiable limit is 0.20 μg/puff. 11.The system of claim 8, wherein the system has vapor emissions offormaldehyde of less than 50% of the IQOS Heet comparator, tested usingthe Canadian Intense smoking regime.
 12. The system of claim 8, whereinthe system has on off functionality
 13. The system of claim 8, whereinthe device has an operating temperature within the range of 160° C. to240° C.
 14. The system of claim 8, where the system has a pressure dropof 75 (mm H₂O) to 130 mm (H₂O).
 15. The system of claim 8, where, whensufficiently heated, the tobacco wax composition has a utilization rateof greater than 80%.
 16. A method for manufacturing a heat not burntobacco product, comprising extracting the wax partition and oilpartition from tobacco leaf, and mixing that wax partition and oilpartition with a vapor agent.
 17. The method of claim 16, where the waxpartition and the oil partition are extracted by supercritical CO2extraction.
 18. The method of claim 16, where the wax partition and theoil partition are extracted separately from tobacco leaf andsubsequently mixed together.